Over the past few years, the UK has witnessed exponential growth in AI, and the industry continues to expand. The UK AI market is expected to grow to £1 trillion by 2035 (International Trade Administration, 2023) and with generative AI growing in popularity, we are also witnessing an increased demand for AI Data Centres. So, how do we design for now, and the future?  

The rise of AI and its impact on data centers means increased power demands, cooling challenges, and the need for resilient infrastructure, there is also currently an international demand for AI-ready data centres, and these spaces require the computing power to train and develop Generative AI models in a safe and resilient environment.  

AI’s Growing Demand on Data Centres 

Global spending on AI infrastructure is expected to double between 2023 and 2026, highlighting the rapid adoption of AI across various industries. Recently, OpenAI secured a $40 billion funding round, valuing the company at $300 billion. More locally, Westminster unveiled an ambitious Artificial Intelligence Opportunities Action Plan, aiming to establish the nation as a global leader in AI technology. This initiative has spurred over £25 billion in private sector investments into new UK data centers since July 2024, further emphasising AI’s swift growth and increasing integration into everyday life. 

However, this expansion comes with significant engineering challenges. Unlike traditional computing, AI workloads rely on GPU-powered racks instead of CPU-based servers. These GPUs consume far more power and generate substantially more heat, demanding enhanced power distribution and advanced cooling solutions to maintain efficiency and operational stability in data centres. 

Because AI servers generate more heat, cooling is a major design challenge. Higher-density AI server racks demand modern solutions, which is why we are seeing the adoption of liquid cooling, direct-to-chip cooling, and immersion cooling. These cooling techniques are becoming essential for AI-ready data centres, ensuring operational efficiency while still reducing energy waste. With this increased cooling demand, the opportunities associated with locating data centres in cooler climates could lead to significant energy savings when coupled with elevated water temperatures. 

Beyond cooling, the nature of AI workloads also means resilient energy strategies are essential to prevent downtime. Since data centres operate 24/7 365 days a year, power reliability, redundancy, and sustainable energy solutions must be prioritised to support AI Data Centre growth.  

Adapting to AI & Cybersecurity Demands 

This shift into the ‘AI evolution’ demands continuous adaptation from not only our teams across MEP & Sustainability, but also across disciplines and in other fields, as we need to meet the growing energy needs and heightened cybersecurity requirements. The rise of AI also introduces new cybersecurity vulnerabilities, making it essential for data centres to integrate both physical and digital security measures. 

At Wallace Whittle, our experience in MEP and Sustainability across sectors allows us to apply solutions and cross-disciplinary knowledge to our data centre projects. As technology advances and energy systems grow more complex, our designs continually evolve to meet these changing demands. 

We are also well-positioned to support our clients in integrating security measures beyond digital assets. Our expertise extends to electronic security and vehicle mitigation strategies, ensuring protection that addresses both physical and digital vulnerabilities in AI-ready environments. 

The Sustainability Dilemma: Can the Power Grid Keep Up with AI Demand? 

With the rise of generative AI, there’s growing public concern over the energy usage and sustainability of AI data centres. These workloads require vast computational power, which is driving a significant surge in energy consumption across the industry. In Ireland, data centres already account for one-fifth of all electricity consumption (CSO 2023), and in the UK, the National Grid anticipates a six-fold increase in commercial data centre demand by 2034. This presents not only a climate challenge through increased emissions, but also a technical one as electricity grids become increasingly stretched. 

The pressure on grid infrastructure is already shaping how data centres are developed. A lack of available grid connections is forcing developers to consider alternative power sources. Off-grid solutions, including gas-powered systems, are making a comeback, although they raise serious questions about long-term environmental impact. In the UK, National Grid and NESO are actively working to expand grid availability. New NESO connection reforms aim to clear the backlog of projects awaiting connection, giving priority to viable developments and accelerating access to clean energy sources. 

In response to these challenges, the industry is evolving. Data centres are increasingly being designed with renewable energy in mind. Leaders such as Google are investing in geothermal energy in the US, while Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft are exploring nuclear energy to meet their growing power demands. In one of the most notable examples, Microsoft is planning to reopen Three Mile Island by 2028 to power its data centre operations — reflecting the scale of energy needs now associated with AI computing. 

Closer to home, Scotland-based operators like DataVita by HFD are integrating green energy and renewable technologies into their operations. The UK’s temperate climate is also a key asset. At a national level, the UK Government is making AI infrastructure a strategic priority, with plans to develop secure, resilient and sustainable facilities both domestically and abroad (Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, 2025). 

Looking ahead, there’s growing interest in how the byproducts of data centre operations can be repurposed. For example, capturing and reusing waste heat from server operations could help reduce overall energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, and even provide heating for nearby homes or businesses. As AI continues to grow, these types of circular, efficient solutions will be vital to balancing innovation with long-term sustainability. 

The Future of AI & Data Centre Design 

There will be significant and continued growth, driven by increasing demands of AI workloads, and as AI continues to evolve, data centres must adapt  

Sustainability will continue to play a huge role in future Data Centre design and as the demand for AI power grows, data centres will have to draw from renewable energy sources and find ways to repurpose waste heat, such as for local heating systems. Regulatory changes will also guide these transformations, ensuring energy efficiency and responsible operation. 

Lastly, the design and construction of AI data centres will require more collaboration and expertise across different sectors. MEP design will become even more crucial, with engineers focusing on energy management, cooling solutions, and sustainability to ensure smooth, reliable operations. 

As AI demands continue to shape the future of data centres, MEP and ESG considerations are key to ensuring efficient, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure. Our expertise in MEP design allows us to address the high power and cooling needs of AI technologies while integrating advanced systems that optimise energy use whilst minimising the environmental impact. 

At Wallace Whittle, we understand the influence that the growth in AI plays on Data Centre Design. If you’re looking to strengthen the resilience of your projects or would like to discuss how our expertise can support your engineering needs, reach out to Stephen Phimister or contact us at [email protected] 

At Wallace Whittle, we are committed to delivering excellence in both our products and our services, ensuring the highest quality.

Our BIM verification process is one of the many ways we demonstrate our in-house capability to successfully deliver BIM Stage 2 projects, which fully align with the RIBA stages and industry best practices.

We’re proud to share that we’ve successfully completed our BIM Stage 2 Verification Audit, conducted by BSI (British Standards Institution), for our ninth consecutive year! 

This latest audit, carried out on Tues 29th & Weds 30th April, reinforces our ongoing commitment to quality assurance, standardisation, and the effective implementation of BIM processes. It serves as a vital benchmark of our ability to meet industry standards and deliver high-quality outcomes through virtual construction. 

The audit reviewed multiple projects across Wallace Whittle, confirming our compliance with BIM protocols and the strength of our internal standards. Our skilled digital engineers apply BIM from the earliest concept stages, enabling us to visualise design intent and make data-driven decisions. Using a robust suite of in-house standards alongside advanced BIM authoring tools, we develop our designs in a 3D environment, facilitating seamless collaboration with our design partners and ensuring efficient information exchange. 

This integrated approach allows our designs to transition smoothly into the construction phase, supporting offsite project management, reducing on-site rework, and minimising material waste. By embedding data into our models from the outset, we empower our clients with the tools to build progressive operational datasets, laying the groundwork for comprehensive digital asset management and a full project audit trail. 

Over the two-day audit, the auditor demonstrated meticulous attention to detail, thoroughly reviewing evidence to confirm the consistent implementation of our BIM processes across multiple projects. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, particularly highlighting the strength of our BIM Standards, and the clarity of our process documentation. 

Paul Hargreaves, Associate Director & Academy Manager, Paul Underhill, Associate BIM Technician, and Andrew Masson, Senior BIM Technician, were instrumental in the success of the audit, which was overseen by Raymond Kelly, our Quality and Standardisation Manager & Associate Director. Their deep understanding of our systems and processes, along with their ability to efficiently guide the auditor to relevant evidence, played a key role in achieving such a positive outcome. 

“Our processes are the principles on which the successful delivery of our projects is based. For an external auditor to review our documentation & project delivery and pass us for this accreditation is testament to the hard work of our project teams in operating in line with the ISO19650 industry standard.” Paul Underhill shared. 

Wallace Whittle has once again achieved BIM Stage 2 re-verification, marking another successful year of upholding our commitment to quality. 

This accomplishment reflects the collective effort of our entire team and underscores our commitment to maintaining high standards, delivering quality outcomes, and consistently applying BIM processes with precision across all projects. 

“Achieving BIM Re-Verification following the 2-day Audit by BSI once again demonstrates our commitment to delivering quality of product, quality of service, standardisation, and consistency across all aspects of the business. A lot of credit must go to our BIM leads, Andrew and Paul, who demonstrated to the auditor how effectively we’re applying these processes in practice.” shared Raymond Kelly.

To learn more about our BIM processes or industry accreditations, reach out to Raymond Kelly our Quality & Standardisation Manager at [email protected]

From sunshine to serious discussion, UKREiiF 2025 brought the industry together for three packed days in Leeds. 

Our Wallace Whittle team were out in full force over the week, contributing to key conversations around housing, planning, ESG, and sustainability, while reconnecting with clients, collaborators, and colleagues from across the UK.  

UKREiiF, organised by the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum, is an event which serves as a platform where industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders meet, exchange insights, and investigate collaborative opportunities that shape the future of Real Estate and Infrastructure across the entire country.  

We spoke to some of our attending delegates to reflect on some of the key themes and many, many conversations they had. 

Action Over Words

There was a clear sense of proactivity throughout, underscored by keynote speeches from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Minister for Housing and Planning Matthew Pennycook. Their presence reflected a growing momentum in government, with Pennycook in particular emphasising the need for sustained investment in housing as a critical step in addressing the UK’s housing crisis. It’s a welcome shift from rhetoric to action, a theme that resonated strongly throughout the three days. 

“In a world where there isn’t a huge amount of money and where some enormous challenges have been left at our doorstep, bringing existing housing stock up to standard, transforming a planning system that was, I think, in all honesty, faltering on all fronts, getting these are all very difficult challenges.” Matthew Pennycook shared. 

Angela Raynor also emphasised the need for action, as she spoke on the opening day of the Forum, highlighting some of the activity the Labour Government has had across housing and development, and the aims for local government and ensuring growth, she shared:  

“I urge everyone across the whole system to seize them with both hands. To investors, I say there is an exciting array of opportunities. Tom spoke about them. To our housebuilders, we have listened, and we’re reversing the tide to create the right conditions. But now we need you to build, build, build.”

Craig Robertson, Director for England and Head of Residential, captured a prevailing mood across the event: that the time for talking has passed, and delivery is what matters.

“There seems to be more action and less words this year. I spoke to a huge number of people, so many are looking to get things done, which is exactly what we want to see. The message from the Housing Minister was clear: simplify planning, fund affordable housing, and get building. That aligns perfectly with what we do at Wallace Whittle, and with what the country needs.

The Building Safety Act also continues to be a major point of focus, and rightly so. It’s essential that we don’t just build quickly, but that we build safely, responsibly, and with long-term performance in mind.” 

ESG & Sustainability

It was clear from the first morning in Leeds that ESG and Sustainability are no longer a side convention; they are the main stage. From multiple panels, pavilions, to informal chats, ESG and sustainability led thinking was front and center at this years’ UKREiiF.

The UK Government Knowledge Hub’s session, “Accelerating to Net Zero”, drew a packed crowd and set an ambitious tone. With the Government’s mission to “Make Britain a Clean Energy Superpower” as the backdrop, the discussion focused on the vital role the property and construction sectors must play in the nation’s climate goals. Experts from local government, the NHS, and central departments shared emerging best practices in aligning estate strategies with net zero targets, a theme that resonates strongly with our long-standing focus on energy strategy and sustainable performance.

As our Head of ESG & Sustainability, Nick Hayes shared:

“I’ve been to three sessions today that were particularly strong, all focused on ESG and the Net Zero Carbon agenda. It’s encouraging to see these topics no longer treated as add-ons, but as central pillars of how we design, develop, and deliver buildings.”

And from Sarah Chipchase, our Director of Sustainability: 

“It’s been a fantastic opportunity to discuss sustainability, in particular. It’s such a big part of the agenda now, and everyone wants to talk about it and see where we are going with it. It’s fantastic to be a part of that progression.”

Optimism for Scotland

Scotland had a strong presence throughout UKREiiF 2025, with high-level discussions showcasing the region’s momentum, potential, but also the challenges that demand urgent attention.  

A key moment came during the JLL-hosted panel discussion “Growth, Collaboration and Capital: Driving Scotland’s Two Leading Cities”, where leaders from Glasgow and Edinburgh discussed how both cities are attracting infrastructure and housing investment. The panel, featuring local government and industry leaders, underlined the optional of shared vision between Scotland’s largest cities, and how using their collective strengths can enhance appeal to investors, whilst still recognising each city’s unique attributes.  

For Stephen Osborne, our Director of Edinburgh, this session struck a chord, he shared: 

“There’s a lot of optimism and energy right now, it really feels like ‘Team Scotland’. But we need action. Scotland should already be delivering the kind of large-scale BTR developments we see in Leeds. These schemes are dependent on unlocking the Housing Bill and getting the legislative framework right.

Being in Leeds and surrounded by active developments is a clear reminder of what’s possible when policy aligns with ambition. Scotland is doing brilliant work, but we need political clarity to accelerate delivery.” 

Development within the West Midlands

The West Midlands Pavilion was a standout for our team this year, not just for the energy in the room, but for the powerful updates it delivered on the region’s long-term regeneration strategy. 

For Darren Wright, our Director in Birmingham, the pavilion reflected the growing ambition and momentum across the region. 

“Attending UKREiiF last week was an enriching experience, the highlight for me was the West Midlands Pavilion, it was a hub of activity, showcasing the region’s transformative potential through various development opportunities and regenerative schemes.

A significant highlight was the announcement of a joint venture between Lendlease and The Crown Estate. This partnership aims to unlock substantial development potential, including over 2 million square feet of commercial space and 3,400 new homes at Smithfield. The joint venture is expected to create around 9,000 jobs during the construction phase, including opportunities for apprenticeships and supporting people back into work.”

The Smithfield Project is one of the UK’s most ambitious city-centre regeneration schemes, and Wallace Whittle is proud to be part of the consultant team helping bring it to life. Our work supports the project’s bold sustainability goals and community-driven outcomes, reflecting our commitment to engineering with long-term impact. You can learn more about Smithfield here.

At the same time, Paul Dean, our Director for Manchester, attended a number of key industry-led discussions, including a Bank of England briefing hosted by Turner & Townsend.

“It was an excellent couple of days catching up with old and new connections. A fantastic, well-managed event by UKREiiF, and I want to give a special thanks to Sir Robert McAlpine, Civic Engineers, Turner & Townsend, and Cityheart for the kind event invitations.” 

From ambitious panels and energised pavilions to spontaneous conversations and real progress on the ground UKREiiF 2025 reminded us what’s possible when the industry comes together with shared purpose. Across the three days, our delegates engaged in some of the most pressing conversations shaping the future of our towns, cities and communities.  

From Scotland’s call for housing legislation and investment, to the West Midlands’ bold regeneration agenda, to national conversations on affordable housing, planning reform and the transition to Net Zero. What stood out the most was the consistency of the message: the need for collaboration, clarity and commitment. Whether it was driving forward landmark projects like Smithfield or helping shape strategies for BTR & PBSA, or pushing for a more unified approach to social value and ESG, our team saw first-hand how aligned the industry is on the issues that matter.  

We’d like to thank everyone who made UKREiiF 2025 such a productive event, and we look forward to continuing the conversation!  

Get in touch with us today to discuss your next project – [email protected] 

WWe’re proud to announce the opening of our new Belfast office, a milestone that marks the next phase of growth for Wallace Whittle in Northern Ireland. 

Led by Location Director Gavin McCausland, the Belfast team is targeting a 50% increase in turnover this year, backed by plans to expand the local team and deepen our presence in the region and beyond. With MEP designed in-house by our own engineers, the new space reflects our commitment to excellence and showcases the same brand identity, investment and quality standards seen across our offices throughout the UK.

The relocation sees our team move from South Belfast to a new home at The Potthouse, 1 Hill Street, right in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. Known for its creative energy, historic charm, and lively mix of culture and commerce, the area provides the perfect backdrop for our growing team. Surrounded by restaurants, bars, and close to iconic venues like The Merchant Hotel and Duke of York pub, the new office offers a central base for both staff and clients. 

Project Focused

Location Director Gavin McCausland highlights that the Belfast team is actively delivering projects not only across Northern Ireland but throughout the UK, supported by a strong pipeline of upcoming work and the need to expand the team to meet growing demand. You can explore more of our standout projects here. 

Recent highlights include the £20M New Build Driver & Vehicle Test Centre and DVA Headquarters in Belfast, and ‘The Edge’ which is a a £23M Purpose-Built Student Accommodation scheme located near Ulster University in Belfast, which sets a new benchmark for sustainable student living in the city. 

“We have a fantastic team here in Belfast that I’m incredibly proud of. As we continue to secure more work, we’re focused on growing the team to match demand. We’re fortunate to have a strong base of repeat clients, alongside exciting new partnerships that are helping to shape our pipeline.” Gavin shared 

While rooted in Northern Ireland, the Belfast team’s reach is much wider, contributing to high-profile developments from London to Wolverhampton, across sectors including education, commercial, residential, PBSA and public realm.

“The strength of our work in Northern Ireland has opened doors across the UK. We’re taking on a diverse mix of projects, and that’s creating opportunities for our team to develop across multiple disciplines.” Gavin added

Inside the Design

The new office space was selected not only for its prime central location but also for its alignment with our sustainability & ESG values. We designed the MEP in-house at Wallace Whittle, working with the wider design team of Form Design Consultants (Architect), Deluxe Group (Fit-Out) and Stothers (M&E Contractors). The Belfast fit-out reflects the same design vision and technical standards seen across all Wallace Whittle offices in the UK.  

As an all-electric workplace, the office is equipped with roof-mounted PV and ASHPs, with new glazing improving thermal insulation. To further enhance efficiency, the space is equipped with presence and absence detection for lighting, ensuring that energy is used only when needed. Additionally, it features high-efficiency LED lighting throughout, contributing to its sustainable energy use. These measures are not only environmentally responsible but also designed to reduce operational carbon and support our own wider Net Zero goals.

Staff wellbeing was also a key focus of the design. The office includes real-time air quality monitoring, helping to create a healthier, more productive working environment. This aligns with our internal commitment to ESG, as well as the best practices we recommend to our clients. 

“With the expansion of our ESG and Sustainability teams, we felt it was essential that our Belfast office exemplifies the principles we advocate. We’re proud of the result and excited to be in this new space.” Gavin shared.

On a more social and day-to-day level, the new office has been equipped to enhance our staff’s experience. From a top-of-the-range Nespresso coffee machine and a fully stocked drinks fridge to a soundproof phone booth and private meeting spaces, every detail supports comfort and functionality. 

The workspace also features large, curved monitors to boost productivity and support visualisation in design work, while hot-desking options encourage flexibility and collaboration across the team. 

Our Team

While the new Belfast office reflects our technical expertise and design-led thinking, it’s also a clear marker of our ambitions for growth. Under the leadership of Gavin, the team is entering an exciting new phase, with plans to double headcount and increase local turnover by 50% this year. 

From a strong foundation of nine talented professionals, we’re now looking to grow to a team of 20, creating opportunities for both emerging and experienced engineers to join a fast-paced, multi-sector consultancy environment. 

With a growing pipeline of diverse projects, a newly designed sustainable workspace, and ambitious plans to expand the team, our Belfast office is well positioned for the future. 

Whether you’re a potential collaborator, client, or future team member, now is the perfect time to connect with our Belfast team. 

Interested in working with us or learning more about what we do? Get in touch with Gavin at [email protected] 

Belfast Job Openings  

From landmark student housing schemes to cutting-edge learning environments, our Belfast team continues to design with purpose and precision. 

WWith exciting developments ahead for our Belfast office, we took the opportunity to catch up with Gavin McCausland, Director of our Belfast team, to discuss some of the standout projects the office has delivered over the years.  

Having been part of the Northern Ireland landscape for nearly 15 years, and with Gavin at the helm for almost 9, the team has been behind a diverse range of projects across various sectors. These projects, both locally in Northern Ireland and further afield, reflect our commitment to quality and excellence. As we continue to grow and deliver high-quality projects, the Belfast office remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards in all we do. 

Education

Education has always been a cornerstone of our work at Wallace, and our Belfast office is no different. Over the past few years, we’ve had the privilege of contributing to some incredible schools and campuses, including award-winning projects and major universities. More often than not, the education projects we work on also double as community hubs, meaning cross-disciplinary and community engagement are pivotal.  

“Modern classrooms and learning spaces now demand more, from integrated technology to adaptable and futureproof designs. Our team knows how to work closely with educators to translate their vision into a practical and effective design.” shared Gavin 

Public Realm

We view the public realm as the vital link between people and place, a setting for everyday life that fosters connection and community. From city centres to rural towns, our work spans a wide range of scales and locations, reflecting the diverse needs of the communities we serve. We take pride in designing spaces that are welcoming and efficient. 

Collaboration is central to our approach, we work closely with stakeholders, urban designers, and local authorities. We have delivered public spaces that are inclusive, resilient, and rooted in the unique character of each place. 

“Designing public realm spaces is about creating environments that invite people in and make them want to stay. We approach each project with a focus on place-making, ensuring that every detail supports the needs of the community and encourages connection.” 

Commercial 

Our Belfast office continues to deliver excellence across a range of commercial developments; our teams recognise that the building services systems play a fundamental role in creating environments that not only meet the functional needs of businesses but also motivate employees and can contribute to a greater ethos.  

“We spend a huge part of our lives at work, so the spaces we work in really matter. In our Belfast office, we’re focused on designing building services that make offices not just efficient, but genuinely great places to be, comfortable, healthy, and adaptable to how people work.”  

PBSA

With the demand for student accommodation continuing to rise year upon year, our Belfast office continues to lead the way in delivering high-quality PBSA across the UK, combining sustainability, innovation, and modern living solutions. Our Belfast Team understands the importance of creating spaces that are not only functional and safe but also conducive to the academic and social needs of students. Modern student accommodation demands design features such as high-speed internet, air-conditioned study and communal spaces, combined with secure access.  

“For a lot of students, this is their first time living away from home, so it’s important we create spaces that feel safe, comfortable, and connected. In Belfast, we focus on designing services that support both study and social life.”  

As the demand for sustainable and modern PBSA continues to rise, the sector must embrace innovation to stay ahead of the evolving needs of future students.  

As our Belfast office continues to deliver impactful projects across the UK and Ireland, we remain focused on driving innovation and sustainability across every sector we work in.  

As we grow to support both new and ongoing projects in Belfast and beyond, we’re enhancing not only the office space (announcement coming soon!) but also expanding the team of talented professionals who share our passion for delivering exceptional work.  

If you’re looking to be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team, we’d love to hear from you. 

WWith UKREiiF 2025 less than four weeks away, taking place from 20th to 22nd May, we caught up with our Director and Head of Residential, Craig Robertson, a seasoned attendee, to get his perspective on this year’s event. He shares what he’s looking forward to, his thoughts on the key themes, and his tips for making the most of your time in Leeds. 

Organised by the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum, the event continues to be a leading platform for industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and foster collaboration across the built environment. 

Now preparing for his third visit to UKREiiF, Craig brings a seasoned perspective on what makes the event so valuable. 

“This will be my third trip to UKREiiF in Leeds, and I genuinely enjoy the event. It’s a great opportunity to meet a wide range of people, including a few blasts from the past. Hopefully we’ll get less rain this year!”

With a packed agenda ahead, Craig is hopeful for real momentum this year, with more action being taken to address some of the UK’s biggest challenges in development. 

“I’m optimistic that we’ll see an even bigger turnout in 2025, with less talk and more tangible action across the country. There’s a growing focus on meaningful ESG, affordable housing, and the regeneration of our town and city centres. 

To really move things forward, we need stronger government support, integrating best-value sustainable performance into the planning process, delivering a more effective Building Safety Regulator framework, and unlocking development through accessible funding.”

With Wallace Whittle playing a key role in some of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration schemes, including Birmingham’s £1.9 billion Smithfield development and the multi-phase transformation at Elephant Park in London, Craig is proud to see the firm’s engineering and sustainability strategies at the forefront of shaping future-ready communities. 

These projects not only reflect the scale and complexity of the challenges facing urban regeneration today, but also the importance of long-term, performance-led thinking when it comes to sustainability, building safety, and energy efficiency. 

Reflecting on this, Craig shared: 

“Wallace Whittle is involved in some of the UK’s largest regeneration developments, working alongside our excellent clients, many of which I’m looking forward to seeing in Leeds. I’m proud of our continued efforts to deliver engineering and energy strategies that set the standard, rather than follow it.”

With UKREiiF 2025 set to bring together thousands of professionals across real estate, infrastructure, investment, and sustainability, this year’s event promises another packed agenda. From headline talks and panel debates to regional showcases and informal gatherings. For those attending, whether it’s your first time or a return visit, knowing how to navigate the three days can make all the difference. 

As someone who’s experienced it before, Craig offers some practical advice for getting the most out of your time in Leeds: 

“My top tip for getting the most out of UKREiiF is to make time for some of the excellent sessions at The Armoury, and don’t miss the fringe events hosted by friends and colleagues, they’re always worth attending, and a personal rule: hold off on the alcohol until the sun is over the yard arm! 

I’ll be the one in the blue suit and sunglasses if you happen to spot me.”

Craig will be joined in Leeds by several of our colleagues from across the business, each bringing their own expertise and focus areas to UKREiiF 2025. From sustainability and energy strategy to large-scale regeneration and infrastructure investment.  

If you’d like to meet with one of our delegates during the event, whether for a coffee, a conversation, or to explore opportunities for collaboration, feel free to reach out directly. 

You can read more about our full delegation and what they’ll be getting involved in at UKREiiF here. We look forward to seeing you in Leeds. 

WWith BREEAM Version 7 on the horizon, it brings a refreshed approach to sustainability standards across the built environment.

As part of this rollout, the new BREEAM Residential Manual is set to launch on the 16th April 2025, introducing key updates to criteria, evidence requirements, and a major revamp of how life cycle assessments and embodied carbon are handled.  

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the world’s longest-established method of assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings and has been a cornerstone of sustainable building certification since its inception in 1990.  Developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the UK, BREEAM sets the standard for best practice in sustainable design, construction, and operation across a range of building types. The assessment covers key categories such as; Energy, Water, Health & Wellbeing, Materials, Waste, Pollution, Transport, Land Use & Ecology, Managment and Innovation.  

By awarding ratings, BREEAM helps developers, designers and building owners benchmark and improve environmental performance, reduce costs, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and ESG principles. 

Launching in 2025, BREEAM Version 7 realigns BREEAM’s criteria with global best practices and net zero ambitions, placing Whole Life Carbon and energy performance at the center. 

This update further strengthens BREEAM’s role in demonstrating genuine sustainability across a building’s lifecycle, from early design to post-construction. It introduces new minimum standards, revised weightings, and a clear emphasis on reducing both operational and embodied emissions. Some of the key changes in BREEAM V7 regarding energy, carbon, and whole life cycle assessments are as follow: 

At Wallace Whittle, our growing ESG team integrates wellbeing strategies early in the design process, balancing occupant health with broader sustainability, energy performance, and building efficiency goals. 

BREEAM Version 7 signals a clear strategic pivot toward decarbonisation, circularity, and performance-based outcomes. By embedding whole life carbon across the core assessment framework, V7 is positioned to be a key enabler for delivering net zero carbon buildings in practice, and not just intent.

Early-stage modelling and robust data collection are now not only encouraged, but essential to achieving top-tier BREEAM ratings. The shift in weightings and minimum standards also raises the bar. The reconfiguration of credits emphasises BREEAM’s increasing alignment with other industry accreditations like NABERS UK, also improves the interoperability and long-term tracking of carbon performance across an asset’s lifecycle.

BREEAM Version 7 represents a step towards a more holistic and performance-based assessment of buildings, and as we approach the official launch of the new Residential Manual on 16 April 2025, now is the time to assess how your upcoming projects align with these changes. Whether you’re preparing for registration or evaluating your route to certification, our Sustainability Team at Wallace Whittle is here to help you navigate BREEAM V7

Visit the BRE website for more on BREEAM V7 

Have questions or ready to get started?  Email our Sustainability Team at [email protected] to talk through your project.  

Hosted by the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREIIF), the upcoming event stands as a pivotal platform where industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders converge to exchange insights and explore collaborative opportunities shaping the future of renewable energy and infrastructure investment.

Set amidst the vibrant heart of Leeds, from Tuesday 20th May to Thursday 22nd May, this annual gathering promises an engaging agenda. From keynote addresses to panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions, it will encourage meaningful dialogue and drive actionable outcomes within the sector. With a keen focus on the latest trends, innovations, and investment strategies, we aim to gather invaluable knowledge and forge further strategic partnerships in this evolving landscape.

Our delegates, ready to contribute their expertise and perspectives, will engage in key discussions covering sustainability, market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies within renewable energy and infrastructure. But it’s more than just showcasing what we know – it’s about learning, collaborating, and growing together. Whether we’re sharing insights, brainstorming solutions, or simply swapping stories over coffee, we’re eager to meet with current and new connections.

We’re looking forward to the event, eager to catch up with many of our valued clients and collaborators, and explore new opportunities.

ESG & Sustainability

Nick Hayes, Head of ESG & Sustainability – [email protected]

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn.

Sarah Chipchase, Director Sustainability – [email protected]

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn.

England

Craig Robertson, Director England and Head of Residential – [email protected]

Connect with Craig on LinkedIn.

Paul Dean, Director, Manchester – [email protected]

Connect with Paul on LinkedIn.

Darren Wright, Director, Birmingham – [email protected]

Connect with Darren on LinkedIn.

Scotland

Barry McKeane, Director Glasgow – [email protected]

Connect with Barry on LinkedIn.

Stephen Osborne, Director Edinburgh- [email protected]

Connect with Stephen on LinkedIn.

Steven Dunn, Director Scotland – [email protected]

Connect with Steven on LinkedIn. 

Last week, we witnessed a major disturbance at Heathrow Airport due to a fire at North Hyde substation, which as a result caused widespread disruption, leading to the cancellation of nearly 1,400 flights and affecting over 200,000 passengers.  

While power was restored and the airport returned to a full schedule by Sunday, the incident has triggered investigations by the government and Heathrow itself into the cause of the outage, the response, and the broader resilience of critical national infrastructure.  

A key point emerging from the immediate aftermath is the claim by National Grid’s CEO that sufficient power was available from other substations for Heathrow to remain operational, raising questions about the airport’s preparedness and decision-making during the crisis, but it also raises questions within the industry on the importance of wider resilience across sectors, from Data Centres, to education. We spoke to Stephen Phimister, Director of Engineering at Wallace Whittle, to hear his perspective on the importance of resilience. 

Despite Heathrow having multiple electricity connections and reported on-site, the fire at the North Hyde substation appears to have caused an outage of such significance the airport had to be closed. Thus highlighting a vulnerability where a single event can cripple a critical system, even with redundancy measures in place and it’s a reminder of how easily critical infrastructure can be disrupted. 

“Grid Supply Points (GSPs) play a vital role in transforming high-voltage electricity from the transmission network, typically 275kV or 132kV, down to distribution levels around 66kV or 33kV. Each GSP is generally equipped with two transformers, operating in an N+N configuration, meaning both can handle the load if one fails. A failure of a single transformer creates what is known as an N-1 condition, which the system can typically withstand. However, in the case of Heathrow, the fire not only caused the failure of the first transformer but also appears to have compromised or shut down the second transformer, resulting in an N-2 condition, complete system failure. ” Stephen explained.

Although Heathrow had backup diesel generators to maintain safety-critical systems, these were not sufficient to power the entire airport. According to Heathrow’s CEO, Thomas Woldbye, switching to the other two substations “takes time.” However, the head of National Grid indicated that these substations were operational and could have supplied enough power to keep the airport running. This discrepancy raises concerns about the speed and effectiveness of Heathrow’s electrical reconfiguration procedures and its overall preparedness for handling such emergencies. 

What Happens When the Lights Go Out?

This incident raises the issue of the importance of a stable electricity grid. With increasing reliance on the grid how could a major outage affect wider society, and how consequences of such an outage could ripple across multiple sectors. Here’s a generalised glimpse into how different parts of society could be affected: 

The impact of such disruptions extends far beyond commercial and institutional sectors, affecting everyday life in numerous ways. While diesel and internal combustion engine (ICE) buses may continue operating, electric buses are left stranded once their batteries run out, as EV charging infrastructure is rarely supported by backup generators. Major railway stations may continue to function, albeit with reduced capacity, but smaller local stations, lacking on-site power support, are likely to shut down entirely.  

What can we learn from this?

The National Grid substation fire serves as a stark reminder of how fragile critical infrastructure can be and the cascading effects of a major power failure. One key takeaway is that resilience is often only noticed when it fails. The impact of incidents on the electricity grid, or even within private premises, can impact business operations. This highlights the need to consider not just primary failures but also worst-case cascading failures in resilience planning. 

The incident also emphasises that business continuity planning cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach. Underscoring the importance of regularly reviewing and testing backup systems to ensure they function properly in a crisis, and the urgent need to strengthen the protection of critical national infrastructure. This is especially important given that Heathrow is a privately operated business and not under direct government control. 

“Accepting that Heathrow is a private operation, ultimately, the Heathrow outage is a wake-up call for governments, infrastructure providers, and businesses to consider the importance of resilience. As the complexity of modern systems grows, so does the need to build robust and adaptable infrastructure that can withstand challenges. Investing in resilience today is not just a precaution, it’s necessary for future safeguarding.”  

It would be easy to suggest that resilience is added everywhere but that just isn’t practical or economical. Instead, consideration needs to be given to the impact of disruption on a number of factors including cost, operational impact and reputational damage.“ Stephen concluded.

At Wallace Whittle, we understand the importance of resilience in critical infrastructure. If you’re looking to strengthen the resilience of your projects or would like to discuss how our expertise can support your engineering needs, reach out to Stephen Phimister or contact us at [email protected]

Wallace Whittle is excited to welcome Sarah Chipchase to the team as our new Director of Sustainability, bringing over 20 years of expertise in driving environmental performance in the built environment. 

Sarah, who will be based in Leeds, joins us to lead and develop our growing ESG & Sustainability Consultancy, working closely with Nick Hayes, our Head of ESG and Sustainability. With extensive experience in sustainability certifications such as BREEAM, WELL, and NABERS, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge to help our clients meet and exceed their sustainability goals. 

“Sustainability matters in every part of modern building projects. Funders want to see environmental performance designed into plans, and end users expect the buildings they occupy to be as sustainable as possible. Wallace Whittle already has an impressive track record in this space, and I’m excited to build on that momentum as we help clients address their sustainability priorities.” Sarah shared.

Sarah’s career began in environmental auditing and management systems, which led her into the world of sustainable engineering and building certification. Having managed teams for most of her career, she has developed a strong track record in overseeing compliance frameworks and guiding clients through complex certification processes. 

A key part of Sarah’s role will be to enhance Wallace Whittle’s sustainability advisory services and drive the adoption of PathWWay, our unique ESG management tool. PathWWay provides a customisable dashboard that allows project teams to set tailored ESG criteria and track progress, offering a single source of verifiable information that can be shared across stakeholders. 

Nick Hayes, Head of ESG and Sustainability, shared

“Sustainability is still a very fast-moving part of the building sector and clients need the right experts onside to help them meet their targets and ambitions. Sarah is a recognised expert in how building projects can not only meet their sustainability compliance obligations, but how they can set new standards and innovate. She’s a hugely valuable addition to the team and brings a wealth of experience in this important area.” 

As Wallace Whittle continues to expand our sustainability consultancy and strengthen our presence in England and beyond, Sarah’s leadership will play a key role in shaping the future of our work in sustainable engineering. 

Connect with our team today to explore how we can help your business achieve its ESG & Sustainability goals, or to learn more about the innovative tools and services we offer visit our dedicated ESG & Sustainability Hub